Stravaiging and Camping the Scottish Hills and Islands

August 1, 2004February 9, 2019

Bidean nam Bian and 2 Sisters. 1st August 2004

Date: Sunday 1st August 2004
Distance: 11.7km
Ascent: 1470m

After a cracking Mamores walk on the Saturday we decided to head out in Glen Coe on Sunday. Back in 2004 we were just over a year into hillwalking and spent quite a lot of walks on repeat visits in the Cairngorms, Lochaber and Glen Coe.

Over subsequent years we branched out rather.

Kicked off just around dawn, with warm light illuminating Stob Coire nan Lochan.

Stob Coire nan Lochan at dawn

It takes a while to get up the NTS path to the hanging coire under Stoc Coire nan Lochan, at least in the summer the sun gets in and around the area…in winter it’s mainly in shade.

The coire itself is a splendid location, if it was quieter we’d probably have camped here sometime.

In the hanging coire

We’ taken to heading out to the end of Aonach Dubh when walking on Bidean, it’s quiet and an excellent viewpoint hanging out over the glen.

Sat and had a break out here, watching the crowds below.

K on Aonach Dubh

It then clagged in on us as we headed over Stob Coire nan Lochan via its north ridge and then over to Bidean.

Eventually the clouds began to break again.

Clouds part on Bidean

Headed downhill towards Stob Coire Sgreamhach.

Stob Coire Sgreamhach from Bidean

Paused to look down the Lost Valley – we’d dropped down from the bealach on 2 previous visits….the loose headwall had never been to our tastes.

Lost Valley from Beinn Fhada

Carried on up Stob Coire Sgreamhach and then started down the ridge of Beinn Fhada as an alternative return.

It’s steep, but solid ground.

Stob Coire Sgreamhach from Beinn Fhada

H was off like a hare.

H marches on

The descent down the Beinn Fhada ridge gives good views back to Bidean, views that are lost dropping down into the coire between the sisters.

Bidean from Beinn Fhada

The views remain dramatic.

Bidean from Beinn Fhada pano

A little further along and you’re opposite the hanging coire of Stob Coire nan Lochan.

Stob Coire nan Lochan from Beinn Fhada

Eventually there needs to be a knee jangling descent down to the Lost valley, weaving through small crags. Takes a while and it’s a relief to hit the floor of the coire.